Copper furnace accident kills three

Shandong Humon Smelting, a Jiangxi Copper subsidiary, has halted production at its plant in Shandong province, China, after a copper furnace accident killed three and left 14 injured, reported Reuters. The company said there was an unexpected spill from the plant’s side-blown copper furnace. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Humon produced 203,023 metric tons of copper last year,…

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Nornickel to build copper plant in China

In a move to gain direct access to its biggest market, Russian metals producer Nornickel said it will close its Arctic copper plant and build one in China with an unnamed partner, reported Reuters. The project is a major shift for Nornickel, which is simultaneously adapting to sanctions on Russia and to changing buying preferences in its main sales destination,…

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Julong obtains approval for expansion

Zijin Mining has received local government approval for the second phase expansion of its Julong copper mine in Tibet, reported Reuters. The expansion will raise the total capacity of the mine to around 350,000 metric tons of copper per day, and will require an investment of around 17.5 billion yuan (US$2.43 billion).  “After the Julong Phase 2 Project is completed…

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Shandong Gold Group enters order with Epiroc

The Epiroc Scooptram ST1030 loader is at the heart of a large equipment order placed by Shandong Gold Group in China for use at three of its operations in the country. Epiroc confirmed the deal specifically includes the Minetruck MT2200 hauler, Scooptram ST1030 and Scooptram ST3.5 loaders, Boomer 282 face drilling rig and Boltec S1K rock reinforcement rig to expand…

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China expands rare earth tech ban

China, the world’s top processor of rare earths, has added technology to make rare earth magnets to its “Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export,” which aims to protect national security and public interest, reported Reuters. “This should be a clarion call that dependence on China in any part of the value chain is not sustainable,” said Nathan Picarsic,…

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